Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Engr. Francis Ori said Ebonyi State government has made significant strides in addressing housing challenges, particularly the acute shortage of affordable housing and the need for shelter for indigent widows in the state.
Ori, the State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, shared these updates in an interview with journalists yesterday in Abakaliki.
A key initiative highlighted by the Commissioner is the Amaeze Housing Estate, which is a direct response to the communal crisis between the Izo and Amaeze communities in the Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.
He explained that the estate, which is nearing completion, is designed to resettle residents affected by the crisis. It comprises more than 140 units of three-bedroom bungalows, with 70 units allocated to each community.
“The Amaeze Housing Estate is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s initiative aimed at alleviating the effects of the communal crisis in both communities. The housing component is 98% complete,” Ori noted. “We are currently waiting for the completion of the road network by the Ministry of Works, water installation by the Ministry of Water Resources, and electricity connection by the Ministry of Power before declaring the estate fully ready for occupancy.”
The Commissioner clarified the allocation process, emphasising that no formal allocations have been made yet. The government is relying on records from the previous administration to identify eligible community members for allocation. According to Ori, the Governor holds the authority to allocate the houses as a gift to the communities.
He condemned the illegal occupation of some units by individuals without formal allocation and revealed that those individuals have been instructed to vacate the premises. “We have involved the police to enforce the eviction of unauthorised occupants to protect the integrity of the estate,” he added.
Addressing the broader housing concerns in Ebonyi, the Commissioner highlighted the state’s strict enforcement of building regulations to prevent building collapses. He attributed the relative safety of the state to adherence to laws requiring approvals for architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical plans, along with the engagement of qualified engineers for all construction projects.
Celebrating two years in office, Engr. Ori recounted other major housing projects undertaken by the Ministry. He mentioned that the Ebonyi State Public and Civil Servants Housing Estate is underway, featuring 140-bedroom duplex units at various stages of completion.
Additionally, the Widow Housing Scheme has successfully delivered 26 three-bedroom bungalows across the 13 local government areas, providing dignified shelter for indigent widows.
Another significant development is the Nnodo Ekumenyi Palm Boulevard Estate, a modern residential project that includes 162 buildings of various sizes, including three, four, and five-bedroom duplexes. This estate features a cultural centre with event halls and a self-sustaining utility area for power and water. Work is ongoing, with contractors already mobilised and site preparation in progress.
Regarding the rising issue of house rents, the Commissioner disclosed that the government is actively engaging stakeholders, including the Landlord’s Association and agents, to mediate and ease tensions. He noted that current tenancy laws are outdated and do not sufficiently regulate rent agreements or landlord-tenant relations. Consequently, the government has proposed amendments to the law through the House Committee on Housing to create a more comprehensive legal framework.
“In the interim, we have been mediating and advocating for reasonable rent charges, keeping in mind the high cost of building materials that landlords face,” Ori stated. “However, our large-scale housing projects will significantly reduce housing deficits and, by extension, alleviate pressure on rent prices.”
The Ebonyi government’s housing initiatives demonstrate a commitment to improving living standards for its citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as widows, while fostering orderly urban development and reducing illegal housing occupation.